Cause of diarrhoea outbreak in Jadavpur still eludes KMC

Kolkata: The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) is yet to find out the cause that had led to the outbreak of diarrhoea in some pockets in Jadavpur.

From Friday night, around 269 people have been afflicted with the disease.

Sixteen of the affected persons were admitted to Baghajatin Hospital, while a child was admitted to the Institute of Child Health (ICH).

Mayor Sovan Chatterjee visited the hospital on Sunday. He said water samples had been collected from Jai Hind reservoir, from where filtered water is being supplied to wards 101, 102 and 110, the worst affected areas.

Water samples had also been collected from the houses of the affected persons and from other taps in the area.

Chatterjee said "It is seen that out of five persons in a family who are all using the same water, two have been suffering from diarrhoea. Though we are yet to find out the cause, I do not think that any leakage on the underground main has caused contamination."

Local people have alleged that leaks in the underground water supply pipes had led to the contamination after drinking water got mixed with sewer water. Chatterjee urged people not to panic.

He assured that the situation is under control. Atin Ghosh, Member, Mayor-in-Council (Health), said ORS solution has been distributed in the area and KMC doctors are closely monitoring the situation.

He said the number of affected persons has gone down, because of timely intervention by the civic bodies.